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A rustic ceramic bowl filled with Greek Lemon Orzo with Roasted Zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley on a wooden table.

Greek Lemon Orzo with Roasted Zucchini

A bright, zesty, and highly nutritious 30-minute Mediterranean dish featuring tender orzo, caramelized roasted zucchini, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • * 1 1/2 cups dry uncooked orzo
Vegetables
  • * 2 medium zucchinis sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • * 1 small yellow squash sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (optional, for color contrast)
  • * 1/3 cup Kalamata olives halved
Aromatics
  • * 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • * 2 cloves garlic minced
Flavoring
  • * Juice of 1 large lemon
  • * Zest of 1 lemon
  • * 1 tsp dried oregano
  • * 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • * 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • * 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
Cheese
  • * 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
Garnish
  • * 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • * 1 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped (optional)

Method
 

Roast the Vegetables:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and halved Kalamata olives with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single, even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized with slightly charred edges.
Cook the Orzo:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the remaining water and transfer the warm orzo to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare Lemon Garlic Oil:
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let it brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon zest.
Combine:
  1. Pour the warm garlic oil and fresh lemon juice directly over the cooked orzo. Add the roasted zucchini, squash, and olives. Gently toss everything together. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved starchy pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish & Garnish:
  1. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley (and mint if using). Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

* Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Serve cold or gently reheated.
* Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite plant-based Greek-style feta block.